Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Wild card entry in the WTA 125K Series, to face Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee in the opening round
Indian tennis prodigy Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is once again in the spotlight as she returns to the Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series 2026. At just 16 years of age, Maaya has earned a wild card entry into the main draw of the prestigious tournament, which will be held from February 2 to 8 at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) courts in Mumbai.
Maaya delivered an impressive performance in last season’s edition of the Mumbai Open, grabbing attention with her fearless brand of tennis. Starting her campaign from the qualifiers, she defeated several higher-ranked international players and made a remarkable run to the semifinals of the main draw. Her journey ended in the semifinals against eventual champion Jil Teichmann, but her breakthrough performance established her as one of India’s brightest young prospects.
In this year’s Mumbai Open, Maaya will begin her campaign against Thailand’s fifth-seeded player Lanlana Tararudee in the opening round. Following her standout run last year, expectations are high from the young Indian, but Maaya views the attention as an honour rather than pressure.
Reflecting on her breakthrough season in 2025, Maaya said that the Mumbai Open played a crucial role in building her confidence at the senior level. She highlighted that regular participation in tournaments, extensive travel, and competing against higher-ranked players helped her gain valuable experience and understand workload management better.
Ahead of her opening-round clash, Maaya remains focused on her own game. She believes her preparation remains consistent regardless of the opponent and is keen on playing as many high-intensity matches as possible to continue improving her skills.
Maaya also acknowledged the important role played by MSLTA in her journey, stating that the Mumbai Open marked the beginning of her senior-level career in many ways. She expressed gratitude towards MSLTA President Prashant Sutar and Secretary Sunder Iyer for their continued support. With the home crowd behind her, Maaya is once again ready to give her best on the court.